#husbandswhocook

Posted on January 20, 2014 by 1prettydomestic

Here at “Stonewood Manor,” one of our New Year’s Resolutions is to eat healthier, as a part of larger lifestyle changes. Since the beginning of the year, my husband has been the driver of several changes in our home in support of this goal ~ healthier shopping, eating and incorporating exercise into our weekly routines. He is on it!

Together, we have been finding and preparing new recipes that are free of fat and an abundance of other ingredients, and GMOs, that are not good for you. It’s been fun, the recipes good, and more importantly, better for us. The other night he shared a recipe with me for Roasted Shrimp and Garlic. It looked really good, so off to Fresh Market we went to shop for ingredients.

Hubby prepared the meal when we got home, and “ya’lllllll” it was “some kinda good,” as my Grandmother would say. He also made Basmati Rice to serve with it; but when we tasted the first bite it was so good, we forgot to put the rice on our plates.

So today I share with you, “RS’s Roasted Shrimp and Broccoli.” Bon Appetite!

Image: Stonewood Manor Kitchen

Ingredients.

2 lbs. broccoli
2 tbs olive oil
1 tsp coriander seeds
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp hot chili powder
lemon zest from one lemon
1 lb shrimp shelled and deveined

Directions. Heat the oven to 425. On a large cookie sheet, toss together 2 pounds of broccoli cut up into florets (but not teensy tiny florets, I like a little stem attached), 2 Tbs olive oil, 1 teaspoon whole coriander seeds (or 1/2 tsp. ground), 1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds (or 1/2 tsp. ground), 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper and 1/8th tsp hot chili powder. Spread into a single layer and pop into the oven for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, toss together one pound large shrimp, shelled and deveined, with 2 Tbs olive oil, lemon zest from one lemon, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper (I just eyeball the salt and pepper) in a bowl. When the broccoli’s been in the oven 10 minutes, add the shrimp to the broccoli and toss (carefully.)

Roast another 10 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until the broccoli is tender and golden around the edges. Enjoy!

http://skinny911.sbcspecial.com/

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday … The SAG Edition

Posted on January 19, 2014 by 1prettydomestic

Today’s Champagne Sunday is a nod to the SAG Awards Red Carpet; so aptly named, why not try “Gina’s Red Carpet Cocktail.”

Image: Food Network

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups vodka, chilled
1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice, chilled
1/2 cup lime juice
1 bottle Champagne or other sparkling white wine
Chilled maraschino cherries, for garnish

Directions. Add 1 1/2 ounces of the vodka to each champagne flute. Top with 1 1/2 ounces of the pomegranate juice and 1 tablespoon of the lime juice. Add the Champagne or sparkling wine and a cherry to each flute for a sweet garnish. Salut!

RED CARPET RECAP

My initial observation, the SAGs didn’t bring as much glamour and glam as the Golden Globes; but still there were some standouts. Let’s go.

THE MANI CAM

My fav was Miss Lupita. The gold Deborah Lippmann polish, paired with the Fred Leighton ring, against the turquoise Gucci gown was simply beautiful.

Image: E! Online

WHO ARE YOU WEARING?

Sarah Hyland. Pretty and fresh was the first thought that came to mind when I saw this young Hollywood starlet. I love the strapless light pink/blush Pamella Roland, with the gathered empire waist. What you don’t see is that the dress has pockets! I love pockets. The dress works well with the Jimmy Choo’s and the Neil Lane clutch. Also, loving the deep part, side sweep hair a la Veronica Lake.

Image: E! Online

Gretchel Mol. I only caught a brief glimpse of Gretchen Mol as she arrived on the red carpet; but loved her dress. Not everybody can pull off white, but she does it well. This J. Mendel with the mesh top is modern and clean.

Image: becauseiamfabulous.com

The Big O! Oprah Winfrey looked FABULOUS! She was wearing that deep purple Badgley Mischka! And, love the big hair! She is indeed the queen of all media!

Image: Onetheredcarpet.com

Camila Alves. Mrs. McConaughey was simply gorgeous in this jeweled-toned vintage Donna Karan Atelier. She looked absolutely statuesque and stunning!

Image: FashionAwards.com

Lupita Nyong’o. This Doll is batting 100% this awards season. The turquoise Gucci silk crepe column dress, with embellished collar was sick! So far, she can do no wrong in my book.

Image: BellaNaija

AND THE WINNER IS!!!

Kerry Washington. I chose soon-to-be Mommy, Mrs. Asomugha, because she was an absolute risk-taker last night in custom Prada. Most Dolls would stay away from showing their baby bump, but not Kerry. I loved the pink sequined cropped top, with the high-waisted black skirt. The cute bun and black satin headband were perfect. The Twitter-verse lit up with comments. I loved it.

Inmage: Hollywood Reporter

THE OLD GUARD

Two of my favorite actors looked grand last night and earned a well-deserved “shout out!” They gave old Hollywood glamour! Standing ovation for Michael Douglas (even with the scruffy beard) and Dame Helen Mirren.

Image: E! Online

Image: Perez Hilton

There you have it; my SAG Edition of Champagne Sunday! Who caught your eye last night?

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

50 Shades of Red … Vol. 3

Posted on January 17, 2014 by 1prettydomestic

Ah yes, another month has passed. 60 days of wearing nothing but red lipstick. A Doll will not be deterred. Another page turns tomorrows, and with it a new shade of red. But quickly, a recap from the last month.

If you remember, I wore L’Oreal Infallible Le Rouge Lipstick in “Target Red” ~ Tar-gee, in my world ~ with a MAC Lip Pencil in Brick. Simply put, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!

“Target Red” is the perfect shade of red, and lasts “foreva.” It has somewhat of a matte finish, which I love, but my lips still retained their moisture. This duo will definitely stay in rotation. But keeping my commitment, it’s time to move on.

In my mind, January and February are the dark days of winter. Little sun, dreary weather, just blah. I too am going dark, and will be rocking MAC DIVA, with its complimentary Currant Lip Pencil. These goodies have been sitting unused in my makeup case for a minute.

I purchased this on a whim one day when I saw it on a Doll in the mall. She was a make-up artist, so her face was beat. I mean fab. I couldn’t resist the urge to purchase. Anyway, I’m in. Let’s go!

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

Our Clean Eating Journey Continues

Posted on January 14, 2014 by 1prettydomestic

Hey Dolls! We’re two weeks into the New Year ~ 14 days exactly! How are you coming with your goals, resolutions, etc.? Pretty Domestic is still hanging in their with adopting healthier eating patterns; although dinner tonight with my hubby and mother-in-law was a minor setback. Nothing wrong with a little treat from time to time.

Our Nik is still on the case though and has brought us another clean eating recipe this week to support our journey. Bon Appetite!

Nik Says:

Hey there! One thing you will see in many of my recipes is that I love to “hide” veggies in almost everything I cook. I load up my burgers, stews, etc. with vegetables; so, my latest meatloaf creation is no different. It’s perfect for moms who have picky eaters and also for those of us who like to make sure we get more than enough vegetables on a daily basis. Here is a delicious, veggie loaded Turkey Meatloaf that I created last week for my family. You can also play around and make this mixture into a yummy burger. I hope you will try it.

Turkey Meatloaf

1 small package of ground turkey (most packages are about 1.2 lbs.)
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 orange or yellow pepper, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 small zucchini, grated with a cheese grater
1 cup of cremini mushrooms, sliced
1 roasted red pepper, roughly chopped
2 plum tomatoes, chopped
1 tsp. Sea Salt
1 tsp. Pepper
1 egg white
1 tbsp. almond meal
1 tbsp. Herb de Provence

Directions. Preheat Oven to 325 degrees. In a medium saucepan, heat the oil. Add onion and pepper, and after about 3-5 minutes add your garlic. Stir together and let the onions get barely translucent ~ about 2-3 more minutes. Add the zucchini and mushrooms, roasted pepper and tomato, salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cook.

In a mixing bowl, add your ground turkey, egg white, almond meal, Herb de Provence and the cooked mixture. Mix well and place onto an ungreased cookie sheet and shape into a rectangular shaped loaf. Bake for about 35-45 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. You will want to take the meatloaf right out of the oven once it is cooked through to keep it from drying out or losing its moisture. Serve hot with mashed potatoes or parsnips, for those of us who avoid potatoes.

Enjoy!

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

Golden Globes Red Carpet Recap

Posted on January 13, 2014 by 1prettydomestic

Ok Dolls, here are my winners and winners from last night’s Golden Globes Awards. I’m not doing losers. If you don’t have anything nice to say … you know the rest. Let me start by saying, the men looked good! They gave some of the Dolls a run for their red bottoms. Just saying’. More about the gentlemen later. Let’s go.

MANI CAM MANIA

I love that the “mani cam” was back. I think it’s whimsical and gives you a further look into the personalities of the celebs. My favorites …

Julia Louis-Dreyfus rocked short nude nails, with yellow Fred Leighton jewelry. I loved that the mani didn’t take away from the jewelry, which was gorgeous.

Image: E! Online

Zoe Saldana was my mani cam fav. The deep wine to black polish and 10 carat Lorraine Schwartz diamond ring, clutching the Bottega Veneta Pink Leather Embellished Pointillisme Knot Clutch was haute!

Inages: E! Online and ShopYourTV.com

WHO ARE YOU WEARING?

Sofia Vergara. I like this Doll; not as much as my hubby; but I’m a fan. She’s always over the top put together in a Jessica Rabbit kind of way. And, last night she didn’t disappoint.

The black strapless Zac Posen and Lorraine Schwartz statement piece worked. I even liked the lightened hair, with a deep side-part. (Deep side parts seemed to be a trend last night.)

Image: E! Online.

Julie Roberts. I may be the only one that was feeling her look; but I’m ok with that. Here’s the thing, I love a white blouse with an up~do. More than that, I love a collar. Heck my wedding dress even had a collar, so her white Carolina Herrera~inspired blouse under the Dolce & Gabbana strapless, crystal belted dress, with just a small sweep of a train was to die for! Again, not for everybody, but me, yep.

Image: E Online.

Cate Blanchett. Cate looked absolutely timeless in this Armani lace dress, adorned with Chopard Jewelry. The piece-de-resistance ~ the deep “V” in the back of the dress. (Still searching for a pic.) Killer!

Image: Huffington Post

Julianna Margulies was the gorgeous in her Andrew Gn bell-shaped dress with a capped sleeve. Again, loved the deep side part and low bun ~ beautiful with her raven colored hair. It worked really well. I particularly liked the black and gold embellishment on the shoulders and bottom.

Image: Pop Sugar

Kerry Washington and her baby bump were stunning! “The Fixer” was flawless in grey Balenciaga! Gorgeous, glowing and glam!

Image: Arts National Post

Margot Robbie was on point, head to toe. She rocked the white Gucci jeweled embellished dress; and knows how to wear a high-slit. The vintage Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry was also beautiful! Again, the deep side part and low bun. Fab!

AND THE WINNER IS!

Hands down without exception the winner is …

LUPITA NYONG’O! Sick, sick, sick! She killed it in the red strapless Ralph Lauren gown, with the attached cape. Makeup, flawless! Skin, beautiful! Hair, stunning! This picture does her no justice! Watch out fashion world, there is a new Doll in town!

Image: Pop Sugar

THE FELLAS, THE FELLAS

Simply put, the men were dapper. Let’s go.

Jonah Hill is sexy to me! There, I said it! He looked great in his tux!

Image: posh24.com

Leonardo DiCaprio is beyond handsome. I’m loving the goatee and the Gatsby~inspired hair.

Inage: E! Online

IDRIS ELBA! THAT IS ALL!

Image: Daily Mail UK

There you have it. The Pretty Domestic Golden Globes Red Carpet Recap. Leave me a comment on your favs!

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

Posted on January 12, 2014 by 1prettydomestic

Many of us, in quest to be healthier in 2014, have limited our alcohol intake. We all know that alcohol equals calories. But this week’s Champagne Sunday combines the best of both worlds ~ a little healthy, mixed with a little fun!

Sparkling Champagne Smoothie

Image: Sur La Table

Ingredients:

1 c. plain or fruit flavored yogurt
2 c. fresh or frozen fruit of choice
pinch freshly grated nutmeg
6 oz. chilled champagne

Directions. This recipe is for a blender with standard 64 oz container. Place yogurt, fruit, and nutmeg into the blender in the order listed and secure lid. Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to High. Blend for 30 seconds or until desired consistency is reached. Pour into champagne flutes, filling ¾ full. Top off with champagne and gently stir to combine.

Here’s a toast to your good health!

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

Get Your House in Order

Posted on January 8, 2014 by 1prettydomestic

Eight days into the new year and most of us have our healthy eating plan in place; exercise routine mapped out; and commitment to being a better manager, employee, entrepreneur, wife, mother, S/O, daughter, friend, etc. on our radars ~ check, check, check. (Not an all-inclusive list, of course.) But what about getting your house in order? Literally!

I’ve been told that I’m a neat freak, and maybe I am. I like order. Each month I do a little purging and a little organizing. I throw things out, find new storage options, consign and donate to Goodwill; but sometimes I get stuck on how to tackle a particular organization problem. The answer for me ~ WWMD ~ What Would Martha Do?

Several years ago I stumbled across the book, Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Book: The Essential Guide to Caring for Everything in Your Home. I picked up a copy for me and my Mom, and it really has become our housekeeping/organization bible. Yes, yes, I recognize that Martha can be polarizing, and I’m not asking you to like her; but she’s my girl and knows her stuff.

Now I believe in having a little help. As my Doll FT says, “Housework never killed anyone, but why risk it?” I love this quote, but sometimes we have to get down and dirty and get and our own homes in order; and Martha gives us the blueprint.

The first tip I want to share is Martha’s checklist for “6 Things to Do Every Day.” I love this list because it maps out a simple plan for keeping your house in order on daily basis.

This list is do-able, definitely not overwhelming and nor too time consuming. I plan on sharing a few more organization tips in the weeks to come. Leave me a comment if there is particular topic you want me to tackle. Here’s to a “pretty organized” 2014!

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

New Year, New You

Posted on January 6, 2014 by 1prettydomestic

Happy New Year Dolls!

Pretty Domestic was forced to take a much needed hiatus last week, but is back with a vengeance for the new year. The holidays are officially over and it’s time to commit ourselves to all of the resolutions, goals, etc. we made as the ball dropped going into January 1st.

Like many of you, I committed to adopting a healthier lifestyle. In my mind, “pretty” starts from the inside out, beginning with what we put in our bodies. That said, Pretty Domestic will be featuring a new, weekly clean eating recipe, provided by our own Nicole Nichelson, to help us along on this journey.

So, here’s to a new year and a new you! Let’s begin!

Nicole says:

This is one of my favorite clean dishes featuring “superfoods.” This version is vegetarian/vegan and is perfectly delicious just the way it is, but feel free to make it your own by adding ground chicken or turkey and chicken or turkey broth for added protein. You can also add more broth (about 5 ½ cups) to make it more of a soup, which would be vitamin packed and perfect for the winter months.

Sweet Potato, Kale and Garbanzo Beans

Image: The Vegan8

2 tbsp Coconut oil
1 medium onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 small-medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½ inch cubes
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
½ pound of Kale, finely chopped
1 can garbanzo/chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 cup Vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Directions. In a large saucepan, over medium heat, melt the coconut oil, add the onion and sauté for about 1 minute before adding the garlic, cook until translucent about 3-4 minutes. Add the sweet potato, sprinkle with cinnamon and stir to incorporate all ingredients and cook for about 10 minutes. Add the kale, beans, broth and season with salt and pepper. Cover to allow to “steam” for about 5-7 minutes. Stir, check for seasonings. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

*Note: Lemon takes away the bitterness of greens. It’s great when enjoying your greens raw (like in a smoothie or raw green salad), as well with cooked greens. It also adds a little extra vitamin C to the dish. And who doesn’t need that this time of year? Enjoy!

Until Then,

~ L.

The Pretty Domestic

The Pretty Domestic | Life with Elle

A Lifestyle Blog Musing On All Things Luxe, Lifestyle + Beauty

Monthly Archives: January 2014

#husbandswhocook

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday … The SAG Edition

50 Shades of Red … Vol. 3

Our Clean Eating Journey Continues

Golden Globes Red Carpet Recap

You Are Cordially Invited to Champagne Sunday!

Get Your House in Order

New Year, New You